Duncan Hall (Lab): Duncan is a college lecturer, musician and writer. Living in Skipton and brought up in Draughton, Duncan understands the diverse needs of the Skipton East area. As a councillor, he says he will fight for everybody in the area, whether in the centre of town or in a surrounding village.

Duncan is committed to Skipton East, having stood for election on several occasions. He is passionate about fairness and high quality public services. “I will be a tireless defender of the interests of local people at this time when they most need one. I will campaign for fairness in social care, health, education and transport, fighting to protect services, improve accessibility and ensure that Skipton has a loud and assertive voice in North Yorkshire. A vote for me, a vote for Labour, is a vote for an advocate and representative in Skipton, and a real voice of opposition in Northallerton.”

Robert Heseltine (Ind): Robert says: “A glance at the mirror reflects that I am no longer eligible for the 18-30 holiday club. However, the passing of years does allow experience of life’s troubles, tribulations and occasional highlights to guide sound judgement and decisions on the vast variety of issues to be resolved as your local county councillor.

“I believe in a tolerant society where we all accept our responsibilities and support those in need. It is the duty of a civilised society to protect our vulnerable families and neighbours and continually strive to seek justice and eliminate injustice. Despite our nation’s continuing financial difficulties, we do need a safe, secure and clean environment, new well-paid secure jobs, our senior citizens properly cared for and respected, top quality health services and the best education for our children.”

Eric Jaquin (Lib Dem): Eric and his family have lived in Skipton for more than 25 years. A recently retired civil engineer, Eric is an experienced district and parish councillor who, as residents know, always follows up local concerns. Recent highway safety issues he has handled include the poor condition of the roads in general, the town hall car park, Otley Road and on-street parking in Middletown, as well as Moorview Way. He has also tackled flooding and housing problems near The Bailey.

He says: “I will continue to try to resolve these ongoing problems as well as addressing the county-wide services affecting both urban and rural areas in the division. “Previous low election turnouts in Skipton East are hardly surprising as rural settlements have been linked with an urban area. I understand the diverse issues to be addressed and hope that you will use your vote for me.”

Claire Nash (Green): Claire came to Skipton when nearing retirement seven years ago. She raised two children in Leeds, where she was an elected councillor and a school governor. She has worked in libraries, as a carer, a self-employed therapist and a director of two not-for-profit companies.

She has been actively involved in many projects including those to help the frail elderly, reduce fuel poverty, support young adults leaving care, conserve historic buildings, promote walking and improve road safety – all issues she is passionate about as well as the usual environmental and social justice issues of the Green Party. Her latest two campaigns are about the towpath and speeding.

“Politicians should be accessible,” she says. “So I doorknock and get around on foot. That way I meet a wider variety of people and can make sure all views are represented.”

James Stafford (Cons): James – whose grandfather was Jack Macefield, of Drake and Macefield Butchers – chose to live in Skipton because, he says, it is one of the most beautiful areas in the UK. He is a neighbourhood co-ordinator, managing more than 700 properties. He regularly has to deal with complaints of anti-social behaviour and seek out solutions in partnership with others.

He says: “I believe that change is inevitable in the way we do business as a council (particularly in the current economic climate), as we are facing cuts which will affect all sections of society and must seek innovative new methods of working. Something which I would bring to the role of councillor is my ability to think outside the box. However I recognise and embrace the history and traditions of the area. I have experience of overseeing large budgets and understand the importance of financial accountability.”