TWO candidates will battle it out for residents’ votes in the next Winwick Parish Council by election today, Thursday.

Mike Matthews, aged 51, and Andrew Fairfoull, aged 58, will go head to head for a seat on the Houghton ward.

Mr Matthews, of Delph Lane, Houghton Green, said he decided to stand for the position to try to get answers for residents about the reasons behind two hefty compensation payouts by the parish council.

The company director of an environmental consultancy, who is representing Labour, said: “I'm standing because I want to get to the bottom of why the parish council has had to settle bullying claims.

“With our MP’s support, I am submitting a standards complaint to the local standards board to find out who exactly has done what and check that the appropriate actions have been taken regarding those members’ conduct.”

He added that he would be an ‘honest and accountable councillor who won’t hide behind compromise agreements’ and will ‘focus on the financial issues facing the council in the wake of the claims it has had to settle’.

UKIP member Andrew Fairfoull, of Fleming Drive, Winwick Park, said he chose to stand in the by election to give the people of Winwick the opportunity to vote for an alternative party.

Mr Fairfoull, who has previously taught chemistry and worked for an insurance company, said: “I have lived in Winwick for more than 10 years and I am really happy in this lovely village of Warrington.

“I care deeply about the people, area and issues such as pot holes, dog fouling and street lighting, and the many issues that affect the lives of residents.

“UKIP puts local people first at all times rather than politics and politicians, and always will, it is fundamental to our political philosophy.”

Both candidates stood in last year’s Winwick by election but failed to be elected after Clr Kath Cookson surged to victory.