FIVE residents are in the running to become the next Winwick parish councillor.

Voting will take place on Thursday, May 30, between 7am and 10pm at the polling station in Winwick Leisure Centre on Myddleton Lane.

The seat became available following the resignation of Clr Alan Smith.

All five candidates took time out of their campaign trial to speak to the Warrington Guardian.

Kath Cookson, Independent The mother of four has lived in Warrington for the past 20 years and is an active part of the community.

The Winwick C of E Primary School dinner lady dedicates her spare time to two football teams as well as a mums and tots group.

Mrs Cookson, aged 44, who lives on Ash Road, said: “I just feel I would be an asset to the parish council.

“I care about the Winwick people and am part of a few associations in the area so I’m always aware of what’s going on.

“I’m friendly and approachable and that’s what the job needs.”

Michael Matthews, Labour Mr Matthews has already held the post of a parish and borough councillor and believes his past experience will set him in good stead.

The 50-year-old, who lives on Delph Lane, is a Labour member, but had previously given up his political career to spend more time with his family.

“Now my daughter is 14 I want to spend less time with my family,” joked Mr Matthews, who owns Peak Associates Environmental Consultants in Padgate.

“I have a number of changes I want to bring including adding £5 to the parish precept to help pay for the restoration of the church.”

David Shaw, Independent Mr Shaw spent his childhood playing in the fields behind his grandfather’s house at Arberry Farm in Winwick.

The 26-year-old HGV mechanic said he believes he knows what the people of Winwick want after growing up there.

He said: “I want to be the voice of the people of Winwick. If anyone has a problem I want to be known as a friendly face who people can approach and who will listen to them.”

Andrew Fairfoull, UKIP The retired teacher believes UKIP is under-represented in Warrington.

The 57-year-old, who lives in Winwick Park, said: “If I am elected I will bring my party’s policies to local life.

“We are a new party and believe we are the future and the other parties are the past.

“UKIP want to be as active as possible in local life so that is why I have put myself forward.

“I will represent my party and the people of Winwick.”

Carole Thewsey, Conservative Nurse specialist Mrs Thewsey wants to become a parish councillor to ‘make a difference’.

She said: “I want to ensure everyone is happy with what is happening in the community and I think I can do that.”

The 54-year-old, who lives in Croft, does not see it as a hindrance that she doesn’t live in Winwick.

She said: “What happens in one local area has an impact on the next.

“I have been a parish councillor before so I’m aware of how it all works.”