THREE people have announced their intention to stand for election for the position of Barry town councillor for the Cadoc ward.

Residents will go to the polling stations to elect a town councillor on Thursday, May 24 following the death of ward representative and former Barry mayor Cllr Jane Andrews who died in January this year.

Conservative candidate and Vale councillor for the Cadoc ward Cllr Rachel Nugent-Finn, of Pencoedtre Village, said she also wanted to serve on the town council.

She said: “I know the first-hand issues we face.

"I am positive, pro-active person involved in the local community and want to make it an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

“I have spent my working life standing up for vulnerable children and adults as an advocate and a provider of specialist support.

"I have worked in the education, social care and housing sectors giving me a keen understanding of frontline services delivered by local authorities.

“Last year, I decided to follow in the footsteps of my late father Maurice Nugent and become a Vale councillor to try my best to make a difference for the community.

“I am putting myself forward for this voluntary role on the Barry town council so that I can be even more effective in getting things done for Cadoc residents at both levels of local government. I will encourage a more ‘joined-up’ approach between the Vale council and Barry Town Council to ensure that, through co-operation, we achieve better results in the local area.

Labour candidate Owen Griffiths, of Barry, was elected as a Buttrills ward Vale councillor in 2017.

Mr Owen, a trainee solicitor, said he had embraced his new role and assists residents on various issues, and is always at hand to help residents with their concerns and issues.

He holds regular surgeries with his Labour councillor colleagues, and will continue to do so should he be successful in his Barry Town Council campaign.

He has taken an active role in charitable organisations within the Vale of Glamorgan, having previously volunteered for the Citizens Advice Bureau, and is currently the vice chairman of Newydd Housing Association.

He said he committed to promoting diversity and equality and strives to be the voice of the most vulnerable within the community.

Cllr Griffiths said he was “honoured” to contest the ward.

He said: “As a resident of Barry, I am passionate about the community in which I live and ensuring the best for all its residents. Throughout my professional career, I have never shied away from the difficult decisions, and in my time on the Vale of Glamorgan Council, I have strived to be a strong voice for the residents, challenging decisions and voicing concerns on their behalf.

“If elected to Barry Town Council, I will continue to be the voice of the residents.”

Anti-incinerator activist Dennis Clarke has been chosen as the Plaid Cymru candidate.

A solicitor with 45 years’ experience, he is originally from Barry and lives in Mount Pleasant, Cadoxton.

Mr Clarke said: “Having attended many Barry Town Council meetings as part of the fight against the Barry Docks incinerator, I was impressed by the Barry Plaid Cymru councillors commitment to the town.

“As a solicitor for 45 years, my history is one of fighting the big guy to ensure the little person got their rights. I am known for never letting go.

“My mother lived in Barry all her life and her asthma is a reason why the incinerator fight is so close to my heart.

"As a strong Barrian, I am passionate in getting the best for our town.”