Two candidates are hoping to gain the Westgate Town Council seat

Residents in Westgate will cast their votes this week for a new member of Westgate Town Council.

A vacancy arose due to the resignation of David Morrish, following on the heels of that of Graham Rickett, who said he was ditching his post due to concerns over spiralling authority running costs.

Mr Morrish resigned in July.

Two candidates are standing for the seat.

Matthew Scott is standing as an Independent, competing against Labour’s David Donaldson.

Mr Donaldson, if elected, will be the first Westgate town councillor representing a political party.

David Donaldson

He said: “As district and borough councils devolve services to “community councils”, parish and town councils become more important. I am standing as a Labour candidate so that the voters know what my true colours are and more of what I am about. I understand that this is about local people, not so much politics, but I feel that for me to stand in any election as an independent would be downright dishonest.”

Mr Donaldson says his priority areas are getting one-hour free parking for the town, leading a purge on litter, dog fouling and graffiti, expanding services for children and young people and demanding consultation on the Local Plan.

Matthew Scott

Sales and marketing assistant Matthew Scott says he strongly believes in helping the homeless and vulnerable, has recently joined the Steering Group for Westgate’s Neighbourhood Plan to share and voice residents’ views on future  and will put the needs of the local community before any party politics.

Mr Scott says he wants to support local businesses, increase youth engagement and improve recreational facilities and town cleanliness.

Polls

The polls are open on Thursday (October 12) from 7am to 10pm. Polling stations are at Christ Church Hall, Westgate Bay Avenue, and Westgate Community Centre in Lymington Road.