AN independent candidate hopes his 'experience, integrity, maturity and hope for the future' will help him to secure a seat in the upcoming Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council election.

Grandfather-of-three Paul Hancock, who lives in Burtonwood, is in the running to become a parish councillor and will battle it out against Labour's Jade Mitchell and Ukip's Ian Wilson in the vote on December 8.

If he is elected he has vowed to listen to residents, promote openness and integrity and be active within the limits of power and finance.

The retired NHS dentist said: "We can’t solve everything at parish level but we can apply pressure to those with whom the responsibilities lie – car parking being right up there on the list.

"The parish council should be helping us to set a series of priorities for Burtonwood which will allow us to tackle problems such as public parking.

"We have to accept that Central Government, the borough council and the often nameless 'them' will not solve all our problems for us but some things are their responsibility after all.

"Whatever happens, everything needs to be out in the open so that we are informed and can be proactive – just in case the solutions are within us. 

"Commit yourself to improving things for everyone in your village by using your vote on December 8 to vote for me and for change."

The dad-of-three, who has previous experience as a parish councillor for another area in the town, hopes to tackle problems including working with young people who have nowhere to go, litter, overgrown footpaths and pavements, speeding traffic, noise and anti-social behaviour.

As a member of St Michael’s in Burtonwood, Paul is active in the church community and is just as likely to be taking part in services as he is to be clearing litter and broken glass from the car park.

For more information about Paul's campaign visit burtonwoodindependent.org or attend a meet and greet session in The Lounge at St Michael’s on Friday from 7pm to 9pm.