Voters to head to the polls in Andover Town Council by-election

Following the sad death of former town mayor and long-term councillor Barbara Long in May, residents in Andover St Mary’s will elect a new representative from the ward.

Three Andover residents have put their names forward for election onto the town council.

READ MORE: Three candidates put their names forward for town council by-election

They are: Mark Llewellyn Farren (independent); Steven Thomas Hardstaff (independent); and Edward Charles Reynolds (Liberal Democrat).

The poll will be held between 7am and 10pm.

Independent candidate Mr Farren wrote on his Facebook page: “I am standing as a genuine independent. Not an independent-Tory, independent-labour, independent-Lib Dem, just an independent.

“My aim is to represent the people. To ask questions and to listen.

“I have no personal agenda, no personal goals or objectives. I simply want to facilitate people with great ideas, talent and vision to achieve things that make our town better, for everyone.”

The other independent candidate Mr Hardstaff said he is returning to local politics after a break.

He wrote on his Facebook profile: “Having taken a rest from local politics for a couple of years, I am pleased to report, I have filed my nomination form to stand as a candidate in St Mary's Ward elections.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Mr Reynolds is a retired police officer.

He said: “There are a number of issues facing Andover residents, and I know there are no quick fixes. However, with mutual co-operation we can work together to improve our community and our surroundings.

“I do feel strongly about our environment and the way forward for a better and cleaner way of living.

In order to vote in this election, you need to be registered on the Register of Electors.

If you were already on the Register of Electors in the St Mary's Ward, you did not need to re-register for this election.

Details of where your polling station is located will be found on your poll card.