The Liberal Democrats will be defending one of its borough council seats in the Coates ward of Barnoldswick. It follows the resignation of party member Janine Throup, who was elected in 2011 with a majority of 182. The seat is being contested by all three main parties.

Chris McKimm (Lab): Aged 35, Chris is an ex-Army soldier, who was brought up in the Coates ward and attended Coates Lane County Primary School. “I had a very happy childhood in this very close knit community where I still know many residents,” he says. “Now I wish to serve the people of Coates and give this ward a Labour voice on Pendle Borough Council. The Liberal Democrats are becoming a spent force in Pendle politics as they continue to prop up the Tories. I can promise each and every Coates resident who raises an issue with me that I will not just listen, I will act to do my very best to get any issue sorted out with the help of my Labour colleagues.”

Claire Teall (Lib Dem): Claire is a Barnoldswick town councillor, who is heavily involved producing events like Barnold-swick Beach, the town’s Christmas Lights, Switch On and live music events. She is also a founder member of Barnoldswick in Bloom and a volunteer with the Valley Gardens friends group. Living on Greenberfield Lane, Claire is the only candidate who lives in the ward. Her three children, aged from 12 to 20, attend local schools and colleges. Claire says: “I’m really proud of Barnoldswick and the work the Liberal team has carried out over the years. I’m particularly keen in keeping Barnoldswick an eventful town with lots of activities for families and young people, like the Beach and music events. Maintaining improvements in Barnoldswick’s appearance and our environment is another priority.”

Mike Thompson (Cons): (No picture) Mike is well known within the town, having taken a keen interest in the area for a number of years. Born and raised in Barnoldswick, he attended Gisburn Road Primary School before going to Ermysted’s Grammar School in Skipton. He was recently elected chairman of West Craven Disability Forum, taking over from Jennifer Purcell and was instrumental in setting up West Craven’s Local Energy Assessment Fund. He says: “I’ve had an interest in our local area for a long time. I was born and raised here and already attend many of the council meetings to find out what’s going on in our area. I’ve known Jenny and Harry Purcell for quite a while, and I’ve seen what a difference they’ve been making to Barlick.”