POLLS will open on Thursday 22nd February to elect a Unitary Councillor and also a Town Councillor - both for Calne Chilvester & Abberd ward.
Campaigning is well underway by the candidates for both seats - so let's meet the candidates...
There are four candidates vying for your support in the election for a Unitary Councillor:
Conservative Party Candidate - Taylor Clarke
Taylor said: "Calne has had a massive role to play in my life. It is where my mother, both my sisters and I went to primary school. It is where I played grassroots football for Calne FC at Beversbrook. Our town has already done so much for me through education, sport and memories made with good friends; so now I want to give something back to Calne. I plan to settle down and raise a family here.
Calne is a fantastic town to live in and has so much potential. However, we can do more to ensure our home is an even better place to live. I'd like to focus on improving local transportation, planning, design, and the implementation to create a safer, more environmentally sustainable community for all residents, including the creation of new walking and cycling routes.
"I would also seek further funding oportunities through grants, partnerships and budget allocations to make sure our town's community groups can realise their goals and continue to provide for local residents.
"I am standing because I want ot make a difference for our town. Local politics can have a profound impact on all of our lives and I would like to do my part in building a positive future for the town and local residents."
Liberal Democrat Party Candidate - Robert MacNaughton
Robert's key priorities are real action on the cost of living crisis, getting the services Calne needs and protecting our River Marden from sewage dumping.
Robert commented: "Calne is a wonderful town, full of hard working community groups most of whom are supported by Calne Town Council through our Community Grants scheme. Last year we gave over £50,000 to 25 groups.
"I joined the Lib Dems because they were doing all of the community work in Calne back in 2013. I am a member of the Friends of the Marden Valley, and River Warriors; groups that look after the Marden corridor, and the Abberd Brook as it runs through the Coleman’s Farm estate.
"As a Unitary Councillor, I will carry on my river work. Putting pressure on the water companies to find other solutions to pumping sewage into our water ways, clearing rubbish along their banks, initiating River Blessings and/or River Festivals with the river groups throughout the county, and raising the profile of our living, but endangered, rivers."
Labour Party Candidate - Nick Maslen
Nick lives in Calne, with his partner, Jacqui, and Jack Russell, Berkeley. He is a retired police officer, having served with Wiltshire Police for thirty years. Nick was active in his trade union, was a Unison branch secretary and served on Unison’s national Police and Justice Committee. He is heavily involved with the Pocket Park, where he is the current Secretary. He is also engaged in planning events this summer to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the discovery of oxygen, in Calne, by Joseph Priestley. Nick is a keen fisherman and enjoys walking and reading. He is passionate about Rugby and is a former trustee of Bath Rugby Club. He strongly believes in the importance of integrity in politics, and in the values of compassion, equality and diversity.
Green Party Candidate - Hugh Pilcher-Clayton
Hugh Pilcher_Clayton told us: "I have lived in Calne or Calne Rural for the past 30 years. Before that, when I was a teenager, I went to the Bentley Grammar School. As a member of the Green Party I believe that protecting the natural environment and ensuring social justice are of the highest importance."
There are three candidates for the Town Councillor seat :
Independent candidate - Andy Mitchell
Andy told us: "I am the independent candidate for the upcoming by-election. I have lived in the area since the age of 10, growing up in Lyneham and then later moving to Calne, the town I have chosen as my home for the last 10 years. Previously, I was a teacher at Kingsbury Green Academy (formerly The John Bentley School) and I now run my own media business in the town.
"I love this town and want to safeguard its future for generations to come. I have two young daughters and want them to have the same pride in Calne as I do. We have a brilliant town, full of brilliant people. Our community is what makes this town so great. We need a council full of people who want to help Calne thrive and push Wiltshire Council to support this growth.
"I am running as an independent councillor because I don’t think that party politics should have anything to do with how our Town Council operates. My goal is to make the voices of the people of Calne heard in council meetings. Rather than assuming what people want, I will speak to people, holding regular surgeries to hear first-hand the thoughts and issues that are important to the people of Calne. As a local man, you will regularly see me shopping, eating and drinking in town. Since I announced my intention to run for council, I have been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received around the town – thank you.
"I’m not going to give you empty promises or offer grand gestures – my promise to you is that I will always act in the best interests of the town and make your voices heard.
"Please vote for me on Thursday 22nd February to ensure you have a councillor who truly wants to make change happen."
Liberal Democrat Party candidate Jackie Bennett (pictured above with Robert MacNaughton) - "When I was asked by the local Lib Dems if I might be your candidate, the timing seemed perfect. I have met many local people over the years whilst running my own business in the area and I certainly understand the importance of listening to people and helping to find solutuions to their needs, all the while not over promising or wasting money.
"Calne is a great little town that has changed a great deal in the 30 years I've lived here. I have seen development bringing new life to the town. I want to listen to what people want and need, and I'll do my best to make that happen."
Conservative Taylor Clarke who is also standing for Unitary Councillor - see above for comment.
Polling stations at Calne Town Hall and Bremhill View Community Club will open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 22nd February. Make sure you have the correct ID when you go to the polling station - a passport or driving licence. If you don't have ID there are free voter certificates available from Wiltshire Council.
