Why we want to serve the community in Bradley Stoke

Two candidates vying to become town councillor in Bradley Stoke have told the Evening Post why they want the position.

Conservative Ernie Brown and Liberal Democrat Sachin Singhal will do battle for the council's Meadowbank ward in a by-election set to take place on November 26.

During the summer, Tory councillor David Skeet resigned from the seat. Councillor Skeet had been ill for several months.

Both candidates say they will do their best for the local community, if elected.

Mr Brown, of Mead Road, Stoke Gifford, used to be intrigued when his wife Linda came home from Stoke Gifford Parish Council meetings.

Having lived in the area for nearly 25 years, he thought he would give local politics a go.

"It's a chance to put something back into the community now I've got time on my hands," said the retired Airbus worker, who is 66.

"It's about being there for the people. I believe in listening to what the people want and trying to put something in place for them."

Mr Singhal, of Ormonds Close, Bradley Stoke, came to Britain eight years ago and after "falling in love with the country" gave up his Indian citizenship.

The 34-year-old said: "The reason I got involved is because we have so many Asian families in Bristol and Bradley Stoke and I want to help build a cohesion between different communities.

"If I am elected I would be the first Asian Bradley Stoke town councillor."

The senior network designer for a telecoms company in Aztec West said: "I believe the youth hanging around on street corners is one of the issues to be addressed."