Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be contested in the district with most of the major parties standing in each one.
Today, we look at the Washburn and Birstwith division, where four candidates have put themselves forward.
Nathan Hull, Conservative
The Conservative candidate for Washburn and Birstiwth is Nathan Hull.
Mr Hull, who lives in Nidderdale, works as a solicitor in Harrogate.
On his priorities for standing, Mr Hull said:
“I am a family man, married with five children and have lived in Nidderdale for almost 10 years. By day I work in Harrogate as a solicitor.
“My priorities, if elected, will be to increase road safety around our villages by reducing speeding, ensure that local housing development serves local residents, look after our local schools and special schools, look after the elderly and vulnerable — some of my children have disabilities — protect our environment and countryside and support local businesses and organisations.”
Paul Trewhitt, Green Party
Paul Trewhitt will be the Green Party candidate for the division.
Mr Trewhitt has lived in Lower Nidderdale for the last 20 years and is a chartered marketer by trade.
He said his priorities if elected would be to tackle environmental issues such as flooding and water run-off, energy poverty, sustainable transport, as well as affordable housing.
Mr Trewhitt said:
“My primary concern is the environmental legacy current policies will leave on future generations.
I have lived in Lower Nidderdale for the last 20 years and feel well grounded within the community.
“My great-grandfather farmed in the valley at the time of the First World War. I am interested in local and environmental issues which will affect this community.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Ian Galloway, Independent
Ian Galloway will be an independent candidate for the Washburn and Birstwith division.
Mr Galloway was the Conservative councillor for Bishop Monkton on Harrogate Borough Council until 2018.
But, he said he is standing as an independent after not being selected by the party.
Mr Galloway, who lives in Beckwithshaw, said his priority if elected would be to get more funding for rural areas.
He said:
“We are at the southern end of the new unitary authority area and we need to be cute and keep our eyes open.
“Resources are going to be allocated for by Harrogate and Scarborough. So we will need to keep our eyes open.”
Tom Watson, Liberal Democrat
The Liberal Democrat candidate for Washburn and Birstwith is Tom Watson.
Mr Watson lives in Dacre Banks with his wife.
He is currently the councillor for Nidd Valley on Harrogate Borough Council, which he was elected to six years ago.
Mr Watson is also chair of Hartwith-cum-Winsley Parish Council.
He said:
“I am a hard-working experienced councillor with the time, energy and commitment to actively represent the people of this new division on the new North Yorkshire Council.”
